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נוּב (nuv)

nuv

to bear fruit

H5107 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb nov carries the simple, concrete meaning of bearing fruit. In the Bible, it appears only twice, yet both instances are rich with imagery. It is used in Proverbs 11:30 and Zechariah 3:10 to describe the results of wisdom and righteousness.

While its root sense is agricultural, Scripture uses it figuratively. In Proverbs, the fruit of the righteous is described as a harvest that saves souls. This suggests that moral living produces tangible, life-giving outcomes for others, much like a tree yields crops.

The word also appears in a derived form meaning to make flourish. Zechariah uses this sense when speaking of peace and prosperity under God’s care. Here, the image shifts from individual harvest to communal thriving, showing how divine favor allows people to grow and prosper together.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word nuv carries the simple, concrete meaning of bearing fruit. In Scripture, it appears only twice, yet both instances are rich with imagery. It is used in Proverbs and Zechariah to describe the results of wisdom and righteousness. While its root sense is agricultural, the Bible uses it figuratively to show how moral living produces tangible, life-giving outcomes for others.

In Proverbs 11:30, the fruit of the righteous is described as a harvest that saves souls. This suggests that our daily choices have real impact on those around us, much like a tree yields crops. Zechariah uses a derived form to speak of peace and prosperity under God’s care, shifting from individual harvest to communal thriving.

This word reminds us that faith is not just internal belief but visible growth. When we walk in wisdom, we create an environment where others can flourish. It is a gentle invitation to live in a way that nourishes our community, trusting that God provides the conditions for this shared prosperity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • it will cause to thrive1×
  • it will bear fruit1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • יָנ֣וּב1×
  • יְנוֹבֵ֥ב1×

Key Verses

  • Proverbs 10:31
    The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

    This verse highlights how the speech of the righteous produces wisdom, which is the primary fruit described in the context of moral living.

  • Zechariah 9:17
    For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.

    Here the imagery shifts to communal flourishing, where grain and wine represent the tangible blessings of peace and prosperity under God's care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word nuv mean?

The verb nuv means to bear fruit. It is used in the Old Testament to describe both agricultural harvests and the spiritual results of righteous living, such as wisdom saving souls.

Where does nuv appear in the Bible?

It appears only twice: in Proverbs 10:31 regarding the fruit of wise speech, and in Zechariah 9:17 describing the flourishing of the people under God's blessing.

How is nuv different from other words for fruit?

While many Hebrew words describe fruit generally, nuv specifically emphasizes the action of bearing or producing. It connects moral behavior directly to tangible outcomes for others.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 2 books)